Oda Shoki, the Yokohama high school outfielder taken first overall by the Yomiuri Giants in the October 22 draft, began meeting MLB clubs on November 4 and has said his determination to play in the United States has not wavered, putting the Giants' draft rights at risk.
The Giants are scheduled to visit Oda with their formal greeting to the player on November 10. Oda had declared his intention to pursue a major league career before the draft.
If Oda declines to join the Giants and signs directly with an MLB club, he would be an exceptional case: a high school player picked first overall in Japan's draft choosing the US major leagues instead.
“My feeling about taking on the challenge in America has not wavered at all.”Oda Shoki, speaking after the draft
The three barriers
Daily Shincho reported that three obstacles stand in the way of Oda's move to the majors. The comparison it draws is with Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi, both of whom gave up on going straight from high school to MLB.
Oda's decision — Japan or the United States — is drawing close attention. For NPB clubs, the case shows how the amateur route to MLB can strip value from the draft, where a first-round pick can be lost before he ever plays.